“The human bird shall take his first flight, filling the world with amazement, all writings with his fame, and bringing eternal glory to the nest whence he sprang.”
- April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519
- Italian
- A versatile man (painter, sculptor, architect, inventor, scientist, etc.)
- He created many works of art, including the paintings “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” and also left behind many pioneering ideas in science and engineering, such as “blueprints for airplanes” and “anatomical studies.”
Quote
“The human bird shall take his first flight, filling the world with amazement, all writings with his fame, and bringing eternal glory to the nest whence he sprang.”
Explanation
In this quote, Leonardo da Vinci envisions a future where humanity achieves the impossible—flight. He imagines the human bird, a symbolic figure representing human beings, taking their first flight and soaring through the skies, just as birds do. This flight will capture the world’s attention, filling it with awe and amazement. The person who achieves this feat will become famous, with their legacy immortalized in writings. The quote also suggests that this accomplishment will bring glory not just to the individual but to the place of their origin—the “nest” or homeland, marking a milestone in human achievement and progress.
Historically, this quote reflects Da Vinci’s lifelong fascination with flight and his determination to unlock the secret to human flight. As an inventor and visionary, Da Vinci designed numerous flying machines, including his famous helicopter and glider, inspired by his observations of birds and other flying creatures. The quote symbolizes his belief in human potential and his desire to see humanity break the bonds of the earth and take to the skies. It also reflects his optimism for the future of science and technology.
In modern terms, this quote can be seen as a prophetic vision of humanity’s eventual triumph over gravity and the sky, as demonstrated by the invention of airplanes and the ability to fly. The “human bird” can be understood as the aviator or astronaut, those who have literally and metaphorically reached new heights, filling the world with wonder and changing the course of human history. This quote resonates with the spirit of innovation, reminding us of the profound impact that human curiosity and ambition can have on shaping the future. It celebrates the eternal glory of discovery and the way it can elevate both the individual and the broader society.
